Progressive Politicians Could Learn Valuable Lessons From Music Fans
The rallies of progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders generate significant excitement and attract large crowds of young people, fueled by powerful speeches. These leaders effectively inspire and mobilize people.
However, the energy often fades once the event concludes.
The challenge lies in the post-rally period. The intense emotional connection experienced within a unified crowd often diminishes as people return to their everyday lives.
Rallies are useful for gaining attention and stirring emotions, but they don’t automatically translate into sustained action. Progressive leaders face the crucial task of establishing lasting structures to convert this initial enthusiasm into real civic and political influence.
Spectacle alone isn’t enough. But it can be the starting point for something more substantial. This is a lesson learned from the music industry, where concerts are viewed as opportunities for deeper engagement.
In music, concerts are more than just performances. They’re an entry point to a larger community. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and encourage continued participation long after the show. Fans actively contribute by purchasing merchandise, engaging online, and sharing the music’s message with others.
Social movements can learn from this model. The mechanics of fandom can transform passive observers into active participants. It’s not solely about charisma; it also requires a strong infrastructure. This begins with compelling narratives, followed by providing fans with an inside look through documentaries or social media. Engaging in meaningful dialogues, offering interactive games, and cross-promoting with other artists are all important.
People are eager to get involved beyond just being fans. Many have approached the author, due to his climate advocacy, seeking advice on contributing to causes they care about. However, this desire can easily wane if clear pathways for engagement are lacking. Last year, the author’s band incorporated civic actions into concerts, offering opportunities to sign petitions, contact representatives, register to vote, and access sign-up links for future actions. This resulted in over 35,000 fans taking their first steps into advocacy, facilitated by Planet Reimagined’s structured and accessible approach.
There’s a common misconception among political leaders that civic engagement is automatic. They assume that people inspired by a speech will naturally find ways to participate in local governance. However, without providing specific roles, feedback, and local connection points, people disengage, not from apathy, but from a lack of direction.
Participation is a learned behavior that requires invitation, guidance, and repetition. Movements grow not just through emotion, but through a carefully constructed framework.
This framework is effective when implemented. Examples include climate and housing justice coalitions in New York State that successfully advocated for renewable energy legislation in 2023, and voting rights groups in Michigan that secured automatic voter registration and early voting access. These victories were the result of sustained effort, not just rallies.
Leaders like AOC and Bernie should continue to inspire. But they should also focus on creating engagement opportunities beyond rallies. To ensure lasting impact, movements must prioritize the practical work of converting enthusiasm into policy. Inspiring a crowd is valuable, but providing clear next steps after the event is crucial.
is the author of the new book AMPLIFY: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World.
“`